The DAISY Award

The Daisy Foundation provides The DAISY Award that recognizes extraordinary nurses.

Below are some of the nurses that have been nominated for their extraordinary services, compassionate care and excellent patient relations during their time at Bonner General Health.

Nominate a Nurse!

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.org Please say thank you by sharing your story of how a nurse made a difference you will never forget!

DAISY Award Honoree:
Rosie Hayes, RN

“My mother was recently admitted to the hospital after having had a stroke. She was unresponsive during her entire time at the hospital. She was put on comfort care. Rosie was her primary nurse. She treated my mother with such respect and honor. My mother was not awake during her care at all. Each time Rosie came in, she addressed my mother by name. When she gave medication, she explained step-by-step what she was doing. And when she turned to my mother, she explained each step as if my mother was there asking questions. She continually checked my mother’s body temperature and adjusted the covers to make her as comfortable as possible. She was kind and compassionate, and she addressed my many, many questions. She allowed me to make decisions along the way and help guide me. Rosie is new to the hospital. Bonner General received a real “gem” when they hired Rosie.”
~ A Patient’s Family Member, Fall 2023

DAISY Award Honoree:
Jessica Richardson, RN

“Jessica is always smiling, happy, and so happy to see me. I look forward to seeing her and talking with her about anything and everything., especially fishing and asking about her little boys. Jess, as she told me to call her, makes me feel like I am coming home. I am a person to her, friend, and family member. Actually, that is what Bonner General is to me…home. Jess deserves this award because she is a very special person and a wonderful caring nurse. Thank you.”
~An ICU Patient, Spring 2024

DAISY Award Honoree:
Gina Woodruff, LPN

It is an incredible privilege to nominate Gina Woodruff, LPN, for the 2023 Daisy Award Nomination recognizing a nurse with extraordinary skill and compassionate care. Not only is Gina an incredibly hard-working, dedicated employee that goes consistently above and beyond her outlined job requirements, but she is also dearly loved by her colleagues and patients for her generously caring spirit and genuine compassion for others.

Gina exemplifies the qualities of what makes a nurse a nurse. She makes patients feel comfortable, valued, and special in every interaction she has. Despite the pressures and tasks that she may be juggling, she has an extraordinary gift of patience and kindness coupled with excellent listening and communication skills that allows her to be uniquely present for the patient and advocate for their individual needs. She recognizes that everyone she encounters comes from a unique set of values and
life experiences and has the capacity to care for patients from all walks of life in a deeply caring and non-judgmental perspective.

Whether it is a phone call explaining an upcoming procedure to a patient with a vulnerable health diagnosis, giving an immunization to a kindergartner, or holding the hand of a grieving patient sharing in their recent loss, Gina meets each patient on their level with an immense amount of compassion and gentleness.
Patients feel confident in Gina’s excellent care. She delights in her work as a nurse participating in the healing of her patients and their families and has made a tremendous impact on the lives of many people in our community. Her joy in caring for others is contagious and she is a bright light among our team of exceptional BGH nurses.

~Nichole Grimm, FNP, Bonner General Family Practice

DAISY Award Honoree:
Sharon Bistodeau, RN

“A dear friend and valued colleague passed away in October from a terrible, very aggressive lung cancer. Sharon went above and beyond in her care during her last few days.

Our friend went off hospice to get palliative radiation and blood transfusions because she “still had a few things she needed to do before she left.” She finished writing notes and recording videos for her kids during that time, sustaining enough energy from the transfusions to make it happen. Several days later, she turned downward and was admitted to comfort care at BGH. Sharon was the nursing supervisor during that time.

Our dear patient was very sensitive and had EPS symptoms to the most common drug used in comfort care/hospice; The medications weren’t relaxing her. They were actually having the opposite effect. Sharon took it upon herself to call Hospice House for recommendations, got her on a versed drip, and she was immediately comfortable, alert, and awake when desired. Sharon taught the new night nurses how to care for her, more importantly, how to be comfortable with the medication. Her communication and compassion for the patient, her family, and our nursing staff were extraordinary. She came in, even though she was not on shift, and was with the staff, many of them new nurses when our dear patient passed. Sharon reminded the staff that it’s ok to cry and encouraged it. She reminded them that being present during a patient’s last days and breaths is a gift and that all the staff there did an amazing job.

Sharon is a great example of what it looks like to make a difference for a patient, family members, and the staff during a very difficult time. She provided exceptional care and compassion for not only the patient and her family but for the staff as well.”

~ Dr. Stacey Good, Fall 2022

DAISY Award Honoree:
Kiana Fosness, RN

“It has been just over a month since I was blessed to meet you. I came to visit my Dad, who was under your care on February 4th.

You helped me gown up so I could go in. Once I was with him, he said how hungry he was, so we asked for whatever he could eat, and you brought food for me to feed him. His eyes danced when he could feel it in his stomach. When he was finished, you became his “dental hygienist”, and used a special suction toothbrush to help make his mouth taste fresher.

I got to spend time with him, telling him what a great Dad he was (and “twin” since we shared the same birthday, 24 years apart), and sharing memories.

A few hours into my stay the reality of his aspiration became clear. You were there to check his vitals. Switching out machines when the oxygen monitor didn’t seem to work through his thick fingernails. You called the doctor regarding our request for a feeding tube and his declining status.

You were there with me when he started fading…and the look of compassion that filled your eyes as you wished with me that my prayers would be granted that God would not let my Daddy die (nevertheless His will over mine). We both were aware of the DNR status on his wristband. Your words told me to make sure I shared any final thoughts with him, as he might still be able to hear me and feel my kiss on his cheek.

You hugged me through my loss and asked the others to put their praying hands on the door and to give me time.

I will not forget your kindness and gentleness and with my Dad, and me. Had wished to handwrite this…but then, you wouldn’t be able to read it for the tears falling on the ink, and smudging it.

May God bless you, as you continue to tenderly care for the other patients in your life!”

~ Family Member of a Patient, Spring 2022

DAISY Award Honoree:
Doug Lambrecht, RN

“Doug provides excellent care on a daily basis for patients. He was caring for a patient who was experiencing complications from a recent surgery. Doug was courteous, caring, and very professional acknowledging the urgency of the patient’s condition. The patient had a large blood clot in his bladder and Doug patiently went above and beyond working with the patient. The patient asked me to please pass along their gratitude.”

~ Marian Martin, Emergency Department Manager

“I was admitted to your ER immediately upon arrival complaining of not being able to urinate due to complications of a recent prostate procedure. Your staff was courteous, caring, and very professional in how they acknowledged the urgency of my condition. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that I had a “tennis-ball-sized” blood clot in my bladder. For several hours the doctor, Doug, and additional staff made several attempts to break it down and flush it out – but nothing worked. Finally, they arranged for me to go to the regional hospital in Coeur d’Alene where I underwent emergency surgery later that evening to remove the clot.

My wife and I live in Fort Worth, Texas, but our children and grandchildren live in Sandpoint. The outstanding efforts that your staff made on my behalf not only saved my life but also saved our Christmas visit.

For over 40 years, I have been creating companies and non-profit organizations focused on helping people have a better life – but it all started from my experiences as a hospital chaplain at Baylor Medical Center in my early 20s. So, when I tell you that your staff represents your hospital and community in an extraordinarily positive way, my opinion is born out of those experiences.

Please pass along my gratitude to Doug and the entire staff.

l am in your debt.”

~ BGH Patient, Spring 2022

The DAISY Nomination Form

Want to nominate a nurse for The Daisy Award?
Fill out our quick form below!

Please say thank you by sharing your story of how a nurse made a difference you will never forget!

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